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| Liverpool's league form leaves Rodgers disappointed |
When the Northern Irishman took the helm in June most supporters greeted him with cautious optimism. Although King Kenny was (and still is) loved by Kopites, many of whom thought he was harshly dismissed, Rodgers' record at Swansea was impressive, guiding them to a laudable eleventh position last season after previously helping them to become the first Welsh side ever to gain promotion to the Premier League.
His possession-orientated style of play, more than anything else, attracted owners FSG to Rodgers, as he was seen as the right man to return the Reds to the traditional Liverpool Way while still coping with and adapting to the demands and pressures of modern football. At 39 years young, he seemed a decent candidate to provide stability in the long-run as well.
Now, rather ridiculously, some 'supporters' are calling for his head after only four months in the job . Admittedly, they are a very small minority, but, in the age of social media, their ill-considered opinions and hastily drawn conclusions are heard louder than ever, and hence harder to ignore.
There is no better time than the international break to refute Rodgers' critics and assess Liverpool's start to the 2012/2013 campaign. While results are unquestionably poor, their remain bright sparks of hope that indicate a better future on the horizon, providing certain fundamental problems are addressed as soon as possible.
His core philosophy of passing football receives universal support from Liverpool fans, and is beginning to noticeably shape the way the Reds play. The Merseysiders enjoyed roughly two thirds of possession against Sunderland, Stoke and Norwich and even had more of the ball versus Manchester United, despite playing with only 10 men for over 45 minutes after Jonjo Shelvey's controversial dismissal. Remarkably, against Udinese recently Liverpool claimed a whopping 71% of possession yet still ended up losing 3-2.
Rodgers has undoubtedly overseen an improvement in our passing game, which is most welcome. The transition to his way of doing things has had some pitfalls as well, though. For example, instead of lumping it long when we had a 2-1 lead in the closing stages versus Manchester City, Skrtel chose to attempt a pass back and sold Reina short, allowing Tevez to equalise.
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| Skrtel watches on as Tevez takes advantage of his error to equalise |
Moreover, against Stoke City last time out, the visitors' main two goalscoring opportunities came from loose passes at the back from Sahin and Reina respectively. In general, too, Liverpool have been far less defensively sound so far this season, which is an issue that needs to be rectified.
However, you don't need me to tell you where our primary problem has been so far this season. Our strike force severely lacks firepower. With Suarez and Borini the only senior strikers, and Andy Carroll curiously allowed to join West Ham United on loan, Liverpool have really struggled to have the kind of impact up front necessary to achieve European qualification.
Had the owners dished out an extra £1 million to sign Dempsey from Fulham then the situation may have been slightly better, although it's doubtful our form in front of goal would have radically improved. Nine goals from seven games simply isn't good enough, particularly when you take into account that five of those were bagged in one game at Carrow Road.
Solutions to our striking problems seem scarce until the transfer window reopens in January, frustratingly, and until then Rodgers will have to utilise the talent of youngsters like Suso and Sterling if results are to improve. Hopefully this will allow their burgeoning talent to blossom and repay Rodgers for his considerable and commendable trust in Liverpool's youth team. In fact, his faith in Academy graduates, which has seen many of them granted first team opportunities, is one of the main positives of Rodgers' spell in charge.
The defence may be shaky and our attack clearly needs strengthening, but Rodgers' underlying philosophy is beginning to embed in the team's style of play and Liverpool have some of the most promising youngsters in the country on their books. Nevertheless, the Reds need to return to winning ways soon if Rodgers is to retain the confidence of the Kop and the boardroom.
If not, short term pain could make his position untenable and thwart his long-term master plan to make Liverpool a force in British and European football once again.
YNWA
However, you don't need me to tell you where our primary problem has been so far this season. Our strike force severely lacks firepower. With Suarez and Borini the only senior strikers, and Andy Carroll curiously allowed to join West Ham United on loan, Liverpool have really struggled to have the kind of impact up front necessary to achieve European qualification.
Had the owners dished out an extra £1 million to sign Dempsey from Fulham then the situation may have been slightly better, although it's doubtful our form in front of goal would have radically improved. Nine goals from seven games simply isn't good enough, particularly when you take into account that five of those were bagged in one game at Carrow Road.
Solutions to our striking problems seem scarce until the transfer window reopens in January, frustratingly, and until then Rodgers will have to utilise the talent of youngsters like Suso and Sterling if results are to improve. Hopefully this will allow their burgeoning talent to blossom and repay Rodgers for his considerable and commendable trust in Liverpool's youth team. In fact, his faith in Academy graduates, which has seen many of them granted first team opportunities, is one of the main positives of Rodgers' spell in charge.
The defence may be shaky and our attack clearly needs strengthening, but Rodgers' underlying philosophy is beginning to embed in the team's style of play and Liverpool have some of the most promising youngsters in the country on their books. Nevertheless, the Reds need to return to winning ways soon if Rodgers is to retain the confidence of the Kop and the boardroom.
If not, short term pain could make his position untenable and thwart his long-term master plan to make Liverpool a force in British and European football once again.
YNWA
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